“You’ve got such a big back, or we’re being such biggies right now.” Etc etc 

Are these sentences hurting your self-respect? Don’t worry. We understand the negative consequences of this slang. That is why we are here to help you. 

These kinds of phrases and slang are becoming very common among youth these days. Not only in youth but even in kids. Slang terms like big back are affecting the mental health of people. It’s an example of body shaming and has fatophobic roots. 

 Let’s explore the Big Back Meaning and discover effective exercises, workouts, and tips. Read below

Today, we’ll describe in detail big back meaning, its origin, and its usage on different social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. And how can we end the article without explaining the negative consequences of the slang big back and how you can encounter the term. So, without a delay, let’s get straight into it. 

Big Back Meaning: 

The term big back has many meanings. Remember, Gen Z or Gen Alpha doesn’t generate this term. In fact, this phrase originated in black culture centuries ago. Till today, the word has adopted many different meanings depending on the context. Here is a brief explanation of big back meaning in different contexts: 

Big Back Meaning in Fitness and Bodybuilding: 

In this context, having a big back is a brilliant achievement. It’s a compliment to someone’s perseverance and hard work required to develop a strong muscular back. So, if the big back is used in this context, it’s positive. In fact, it’s a compliment and an appreciation. 

Big Back Meaning in Sports Terminology: 

In the context of sports, big back is often used in American football. It refers to a large, powerful running which is difficult to catch. These people who run exceptionally fast are the most valuable players in the team. So, if black black is used in this context, it’s a positive descriptor. 

Big Back Meaning as a Casual Slang:

Outside of specific communities, “big back” is used more casually to describe someone with a broad upper body or muscular back. It’s typically used to refer to obese people. Similarly, the term is also used when referring to how much food someone eats. In this scenario, the term is used as big back behaviour. This is the most common usage of Big Back today. If Big Back is used in this way, it’s completely negative because it badly impacts the mentality of the person and damages their self-respect. 

So, the slang Big Back has both positive and negative connotations. It depends on the context in which the term is used. For example, if it’s used for admiration of someone’s back muscles, it’s positive, but if it is used for someone’s body shaming, then it is negative, and it shouldn’t be used! 

What is a Big Back? 

Initially, the term meant a big butt and was particularly used for females. Still, its usage changed significantly when it was used in the fitness community by gym trainers to describe someone’s large muscles and back, etc. Until then, it was positive slang. But in 2023, the slang started to be used in a negative way to refer to an obese person with a wide back, not muscular. Similarly, it was used for people who consume large quantities of food, even if they are skinny. 

Positive Connotation of Big Back Slang: 

It’s often said with admiration, indicating that the person has an imposing physique. In the past, this phrase served as a compliment, acknowledging someone’s physical attributes in a way that’s both casual and appreciative. 

Negative Connotation of Big Back Slang: 

As of 2024, the slang is used for body shaming obese people and people who eat a lot even if they are skinny. Either way, it hurts the self-respect of the person, and the usage of such slang should be prohibited completely. 

Origin of the Term Big Back: 

The Big Back Slang has a negative connotation became more prominent when Charlemagne Tha God, a controversial Black radio shock-jock, referred to ReesaTeesa’s viral 50-part TiKTok series “Who did I Marry?” as “big back behavior.” In short, over 94 million listen to her story of staying in a marriage ripe with lies and deception. 

The Harmful Consequences of the Slang Big Back: 

1. The term big back is used for body shaming of obese people. 
2. Even in jest, it’s particularly used to mock females who don’t have an ideal slim figure. It builds negative body image and insecurities in the person being mocked up. 
3. Many people on X, previously known as Twitter and on TikTok, pointed out this trend as fat-phobic 
4. Here is a famous incident regarding Big Back. So, a 6-year-old girl needed an extra cookie at school. And guess what, the teacher called her big back. She, on her way home, asks her mum if she has the biggest back. Her mum, in anger, posted a thread on Twitter (reaching a million views) to wrap up this hit trend of big back! 
5. The frequent mocking of big back can lead to social isolation and exclusion. This social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression, further harming their mental well-being. 
6. The person being made fun of may start starving or eating less as per their requirements. It can harm their body both physically and mentally. 
7. It decreases self-esteem and self-confidence when people make fun of someone’s obesity or dietary habits. 
8. The person may lose their passion for joining public gatherings, visualising the fact that people might mock them.  
9. The use of the term “big back” repeatedly sets unrealistic beauty standards. It also reinforces the idea that certain body types are undesirable in society. 
10. This type of negative remarks increases societal pressures that can lead to long-term mental health issues, including anxiety, eating disorders, and a distorted self-image.

What Does Big Back Mean on Instagram? 

Instagram is another platform where the term “big back” is commonly used. The fitness community uses it to flex their big back. But another party also uses it to hurt people who are obese and have a habit of overeating. Below are some examples explaining the big back meaning on Instagram. 

Examples of Big Back Meaning on Instagram: 

Big Back Meaning on Instagram: 

Positive Connotation: 

An Instagram fitness influencer posts a before-and-after photo flexing their big back:  “From flat to stack! Working on my big back every day. #FitnessJourney #BigBack.”

In this context, big back is used as a positive connection.

Big Back Meaning on Instagram: 

Negative Connotation:

Here is another example explaining the negative connotation of body shame and overeating. 

A person posts a picture of themselves at a family gathering, and in the comments, someone writes, 

“You’ve got such a big back! Maybe cut down on those desserts, huh?” 

This comment is an example of body shaming, using “big back” in a hurtful way to criticise the person’s appearance. 

Similarly, there is another example where big back slang is used for people who might be skinny but are overweight.

A user posts a video of themselves enjoying a large meal at a restaurant. In the comments, someone says, 

“Whoa, that’s some serious big back behavior! You must be working on that food baby.”

This comment uses “big back behavior” in a negative way. It refers to overeating that will lead to an undesirable body shape. It’s a clear example of how this slang can be used to contribute to negative body image and fatphobia.

So, this slang is actually hurting the self-respect of the people. People who use it to hurt others should understand its negative consequences and avoid it completely. 

What Does Big Back Mean on TikTok? 

Examples of Big Back Meaning on TikTok:

Positive Connotation: 

A TikTok user posts a video titled “How I Built My Big Back in 6 Months” featuring a montage of back exercises like deadlifts and pull-ups. 

In this context, big back is used in a positive way, highlighting the fact that how a person has built back muscles by doing various exercises. 

Big Back Meaning on TikTok: 

Negative Connotation: 

Here is the first example: 

A TikTok user posts a video of themselves dancing in a tight outfit, and a comment reads, 

“That outfit is showing off your big back way too much. Maybe try a different style.”

In this instance, “big back” is used to criticise the person’s appearance. It highlights that their body shape is not flattering in certain clothing. Definitely, such types of comments are hurtful and body-shaming. It’s advisable to avoid such comments and respect the feelings of others. 

Here is another example. 

A TikTok user shares a video of themselves enjoying a variety of snacks during a movie marathon. 

In the comments, someone writes:

“Careful with that snacking, or you’ll end up with a big back!”

This comment highlights the use of big back as an overeating behaviour. It warns the person that their dietary habits can deteriorate their physique. 

No doubt, it’s good to advise someone, especially if they are overheating, but advising it in such a way is not recommended, especially online, where everyone can see your comments and someone else may poke their nose into the matter. This attitude can be disturbing. It can lead to an unhealthy attitude towards food and body image. So it’s better to advise a person with utmost care, attention and positivity in a private setting. 

Here is another example for you to understand the big back meaning completely: 

A TikTok user makes a fun video showing off their progress after a workout. 

Someone comments:

 “Looking good, but watch out for that big back creeping in!”

In this context, the term “big back” is used as a taunt and an insult. It undermines the person’s fitness progress by suggesting that they’re at risk of developing an unattractive body shape. Such types of comments can be demotivating and offensive. 

What To Do When Someone Says You “Big Back”? 

While “big back” may initially seem harmless or humorous. But it highlights broader societal attitudes toward body image, food consumption, and gender norms. Here are some suggestions to follow when someone says you big back: 

• Acknowledge the offence:

If someone calls you out as a big back, remember that feeling hurt and annoyed is natural; your feelings are valid. But instead of getting stressed, use them wisely to call out the body shaming and verbalise the problematic speech if you feel safe doing so. Take action, and don’t make it your weakness. And let the people know that this thing is hurting you and they need to stop it. 

• Educate: 

If you’re in a safe space, you can explain to the person using the term why it is problematic. Let the person know that you felt hurt, even if they meant it as a joke. 

• Set boundaries: 

You should know how to politely but firmly let the person know that such terms are unacceptable. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining your self-respect and mental well-being. Don’t hesitate to set boundaries and limit connections with such kinds of people who make fun of your body. 

• Seek support: 

You should talk to friends, family, or a trusted adult about the incident. Sharing your experience can create space to receive emotional support and advice on handling similar situations in the future. 

• Positive self-talk: 

 Maintain a strong, positive self-image, no matter what. Believe in your uniqueness and remember the fact that your physique and dietary habits don’t define you, but your mindset and personality do. So, work on that. Don’t give importance to negativities. Stay positive, eat healthy, stay fit and enjoy the blessings of life. 

Conclusion: 

Big Back is a slang commonly used on TikTok. While it has some positive connotations. Nowadays (in 2024), it’s usually used for body shaming and people with habits of overeating. In any way, it has a negative impact on the mental health of people. With that being said, the usage of this slang with a negative connotation should be prohibited completely, and we should appreciate and accept people the way they are because everyone is unique.